BMW 5 series for 18k

[hellsbuddha]

Wife has approximately 18k to spend on a secondhand five series. Her primary requirements are that is it automatic and has air conditioning.

Is is better to buy a new petrol one say 520i or an older diesel version.

Currently car will be used to commute to work and general duties across London. In the longer term it will be more of a vacation car as well.

Any help much appreciated

thanks

sam

[D1MAC]

Unless you're doing plenty of miles or really want torque then I would imagine that you're better off with a petrol.
Having said that, the 520d is supposed to be rather better than it sounds.

[belleair302]

Why not a 530D with 40K or a 525 SE?

[Mustard]

Depends on her mileage

In my fathers case with £12k to spend diesel didnt add up

520i manual / 525i Auto vs 525d manual / 530d auto

All SE tourings

He went for a 525i Auto

Eqivelent diesel would have been £1500-£2000k more on purchase price, to do circa extra 10-15mpg on slightly more expensive fuel

BUT THE REAL KILLER

Petrol is far less complex with no turbo, intercooler or expensive injectors which reading on here and else where do fail quite regularly resulting in a £1-£3k bill

That does rather blow any savings coupled with the fact he'll probably keep the car 8yrs by which time both are worth sweet FA so higher residual is not much of a concern

Just my thought, obviously different circumstance have a big bearing ie doing 20k pa and keeping the car 2yrs the outcome would have been differnt! as fuel and residual value would have a much greater impact

Edited by Mustard on Monday 28th May 12:49

[jezzaaa]

hellsbuddha said:

Is is better to buy a new petrol one say 520i or an older diesel version.


thanks

sam

Hey Sam - first thing to note...she can't afford a new 520i if she's only got £18K to spend! Sorry if I'm being a pedant! ;-)

[ChrisRS]

jezzaaa said:

hellsbuddha said:

Is is better to buy a new petrol one say 520i or an older diesel version.


thanks

sam

Hey Sam - first thing to note...she can't afford a new 520i if she's only got £18K to spend! Sorry if I'm being a pedant! ;-)

I think he means new shape?

[CommanderJameson]

The E39 is the better looking car, IMO.

Some say it's the better car, full stop.

You could get a really, really nice last-of-the-line 2003 one with every toy going for £18k and have plenty of change.

Clicky for search on PH with lots of nice E39 5ers.

[jezzaaa]

ChrisRS said:

jezzaaa said:

hellsbuddha said:

Is is better to buy a new petrol one say 520i or an older diesel version.


thanks

sam

Hey Sam - first thing to note...she can't afford a new 520i if she's only got £18K to spend! Sorry if I'm being a pedant! ;-)

I think he means new shape?

I suspect he did. Ignore me!